Nation, world

DENVER — A mediator handling the distribution of about $5.3 million in donations to victims of the Colorado theater shootings said Friday that disbursement amounts have been finalized.

A gunman killed 12 people and injured at least 58 others at an Aurora movie theater July 20.

Aurora Victim Relief Fund special master Ken Feinberg said Friday that the families of the 12 people killed, plus victims who sustained permanent brain damage or paralysis, will each receive $220,000.

Six people hospitalized at least 20 days will each receive $160,000. Two who were hospitalized between eight and 19 days will each receive $91,680. Thirteen people hospitalized for less than that will each receive $35,000.

Overall, Feinberg approved claims for 38 people and denied 19 claims that didn’t qualify under previously announced protocols. He had previously said victims who didn’t require overnight hospitalization and claims for mental trauma would be denied because of limited funds.

GENEVA — The world’s largest agency that deals with global migration says cholera is again on the rise in Haiti.

The International Organization for Migration says Haitian officials have confirmed 3,593 cholera cases and another 837 suspected cases since Hurricane Sandy’s passage.

He said his organization has responded by handing out about 10,000 cholera kits in 31 camps this week “badly hit by cholera in the area.”

Cholera is a bacterial infection that spreads through water, and Haiti’s lack of proper sanitation and sewage systems makes the country more vulnerable.

DECLO, Idaho — A fourth-grade teacher in southern Idaho is being criticized after having her students use permanent markers to draw on the faces of classmates who failed to meet reading goals.

Some parents and administrators say the punishments given to nine students in Summer Larsen’s class were inappropriate and left the children feeling shamed.

Cindy Hurst said recently her 10-year-old son came home from school Nov. 5 with his entire face — including his eyelids — scribbled on with green, red and purple markers.

“He was humiliated,” Hurst told The Times-News of Twin Falls. “He knows he’s a slow reader. Now he thinks he should be punished for it.”

MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Officials in Nicaragua say rising costs for electricity have set off protests and confrontations, with some demonstrators taking over an airport. At least 20 people were injured Friday and 10 arrested, officials say.

Authorities say about 200 people clashed with police after blocking the Pan American Highway about 60 miles west of the capital to protest higher charges being levied by a private electricity company. Police and protesters were injured in an exchange of rocks, tear gas and rubber bullets.

On the Caribbean coast, about 400 miles northeast of Managua, some 400 local people have been protesting the increased cost of electricity charged by the state power company. Officials say they took over the local airport and blocked public transportation.